Teachers

Reynier Gómez

Reynier, now Turku based Cuban, will be visiting the festival for the first time.  He is a bundöe of energy who moved to Finland  in 2008.

He studied dancing at the famous Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba.

Reynier is an accurate and clear teacher without forgetting the fun! For Reynier, it is important that students learn the importance of music  in dance from the very beginning.

At the festival Reynier teaches e.g. couple salsa, son and afro.

Satu Annika & Roynet Perez

Satu Annika & Roynet Perez, who charmed us at the very first festival, will be joining next year's festivals again!

The warm, friendly and encouraging style of this Finnish-Cuban couple leads students deeper into the secrets of Salsa.

Roynet was born in Havana, where he also started his dance career in 2003. Like Reynier, he moved to Finland in 2008. In 2010, Roynet won the Salsa European Championships. 

Satu has been dancing since she was a child, starting with hip-hop, later salsa took her heart completely. The background of Satu's elegant style is a strong technique and methodology that gives room for personal interpretation.

As teachers, Satu & Roynet want to give all their knowledge to the students and make Cuban dance art known in every corner of the world.

At festivals, this charismatic couple teaches e.g. couple salsa and kizomba.

Carita Koivula-Pukkila

Carita Koivula-Pukkila brings local color to the teacher crew. This sunny dance teacher will surely make everyone enjoy the secrets of salsa!

Carita's dance roots are in ballroom dancing. She just found dance as an adult and now itäs her whole life! Not a day has passed without her dancing.

Carita's strength is the latino show, - dancing where you have the opportunity to use the body, expression, movement and various dance forms in a versatile and comprehensive way, alone, in pairs and in groups. With her own example, Carita wants to encourage everyone who is interested in dancing to boldly throw themselves into the world of dance, regardless of age, size, gender or anything else! "Dance belongs to us all!" is Carita's motto.

At the festival Carita teaches beginner salsa and couple salsa lessons together with Arto, as well as  latino show for beginners.

Carlos Correa

This mans smile lights up every dance floor! He has been brightening up the Finnish salsa scene for decades with his smile and professionalism. The first steps of salsa feel easy and comfortable in his guidance.

Carlos is one of the first salsa instructors in Finland. After three years in Finland, Carlos got to know Miguel Verdecia (founder of dance school Baila Baila), who offered him a place in his dance group. Carlos' always sunny appearance and clear style of teaching draw the studios full of students no matter where. Many come to his lessons regularly to learn more patterns in couple salsa and rueda.

At the West Coast Salsa Festival he will be teaching couple salsa and rueda. 

Mailevis Ortega

Also for the first time viviting is Mailevis Ortega! She will bring with her radiant Cuban female energy to Yyteri!

Mailevis has a diverse dance background: she started with ballet as a child and continued with Cuban dances. In addition, Mailevis has also studied circus arts. Mailevis has worked e.g. as a dancer at Cabaret Continental de Varadero.

Mailevis is an energetic dancer whose dashing and cheerful style makes the students give their best. For Mailevis, dance is not just a job, it's a passion, the meaning of life.

At the festival Mailevis teaches e.g. couples salsa together with Yasser and ladies style lessons.

Yasser Sarría Terry

Yasser is an energetic and fun teacher who's lessons are full of action! His style combines the power of Afro-Cuban dances and the dynamics of popular dance forms. He has been living and teaching in Helsinki already 15 years.

Yasser graduated as a dance instructor and professional dancer in 1993 (Escuela Profesional de Arte, EPA), and has also earned diplomas in folklore and popular dances in 1997 (Instituto Superior de Arte, ISA). Yasser has danced in numerous show groups in Cuba, and has also won awards in international competitions. In addition, he has both taught and performed all over Europe at different festivals. He is a popular and loved teacher who's lessons are demanding but fun!

At the West Coast Salsa Festival Yasser will have couple salsa, reggaeton and bachata lessons.  

Arto Hautamäki

Arto Hautamäki, a long-time salsa teacher from Pori, will also participate in the festivities this year! Arto has a very diverse and long dance background, from finnisch social dances to ball room dancing. 

Arto has been dancing and teaching salsa for 16 years. He has made numerous dance trips to Cuba to learn more from the best teachers. 

At the festival Arto teaches salsa and couple salsa together with Carita.